Slovenia: all programs

Slovenia in brief

Slovenia is a small country between the Alps and the Adriatic, bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. The population is about 2.1 million, and the capital is Ljubljana. Slovenia joined the EU and NATO in 2004, and the eurozone and Schengen in 2007. The economy rests on export manufacturing - car parts, pharmaceuticals, household appliances - the port of Koper and tourism. The language is Slovene, and the currency the euro.

Slovenia suits families who value safety, nature and a calm life in the EU, specialists with jobs at local companies and entrepreneurs who start a business here. It suits less those seeking low taxes on salaries or a quick passport.

How to move in 2026

Permanent residence is granted after 5 years of continuous residence. Citizenship comes after 10 years in the country, the last 5 continuously, with Slovene and, as a rule, renunciation of previous citizenship. Slovenia has no investment programmes.

The first 30 days after the move

The first weeks in Slovenia go on three pieces of paper: address registration, a tax number and a bank account. Without them you cannot sign a long lease, receive a salary or arrange insurance.

1. Address registration within 3 days. Temporary residence is registered at the administrative unit for your area no later than three days after entering the country or moving to a new address. You need a passport, proof of lawful stay and proof of the right to live at the address, such as a lease.
2. Tax number. The Financial Administration of Slovenia issues it free of charge, including to a foreigner before the move. You need it for the bank, a lease and work.
3. Bank account. Slovenian banks open a euro account more readily for people with a residence permit, a job or studies in the country, and a non-resident usually has to visit a branch. More on the personal account in Slovenia page.
4. Health insurance. Health insurance is mandatory in Slovenia, and you need a policy from the start of your life there.

Taxes

Slovenia taxes salaries on a progressive scale from 16% to 50%: the top rate starts at a tax base of 82,346 euros a year. Employees pay 22.1% social contributions, and employers a further 16.1%. Capital, however, is taxed lightly: dividends and interest at 25%, and gains on shares or property held for more than 15 years are not taxed at all. Corporate tax is 22% until 2028, and VAT 22%. Small sole traders can choose a regime with standardised expenses and pay tax on only part of their revenue. More on the page about Slovenian taxes.

Property

EU citizens buy homes on the same terms as Slovenians. Citizens of other countries buy property on the basis of reciprocity, that is, if their country allows such purchases by Slovenians, and without reciprocity through a Slovenian company. On the resale market a 2% transfer tax is paid, and on new builds VAT. Housing is most expensive in Ljubljana and on the coast. More on the page about property in Slovenia.

Cost of living

Slovenia is cheaper than Austria and Italy but more expensive than Croatia and Hungary. The main expense is rent in Ljubljana, where supply is limited. Groceries and services cost about the EU average. Health insurance is mandatory, and many residents also pay for voluntary insurance that covers co-payments. State schools and universities are free, and Ljubljana has international schools.

Budget for the first 3 months

Housing is the biggest expense. A one-bedroom flat in Ljubljana costs about $1,200 a month on average in 2026, up to $1,400 in the centre and from $740 outside it. Rent alone for three months comes to about $3,600, plus a deposit for the landlord. Maribor and smaller towns are noticeably cheaper.

On top come food, transport, phone and health insurance. Groceries and services cost about the EU average, less than in Austria and Italy. Districts and prices are covered in our Ljubljana guide. A manager will calculate the full cost of the move for your family, including the residence route, in the chat.

Where to live

• Ljubljana. A compact green capital with the university, ministries and most offices.
• Maribor. The second city in the east, with noticeably cheaper housing.
• Koper and Piran. The Adriatic coast, the port and resort towns.
• Bled and Kranj. Alps, lakes and skiing half an hour from the capital.
• Celje and Novo Mesto. Industrial towns with a calm life.

Practicalities

• Language. Slovene; many people speak English, especially the young, but citizenship and dealing with authorities require Slovene.
• Distances. From Ljubljana the sea is about an hour away, the Alps half an hour, and Venice and Vienna a few hours by car.
• Climate. Alpine in the north, Mediterranean on the coast, with cold winters and warm summers in Ljubljana.
• Safety. One of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
• Transport. A car is more convenient for travelling around the country; trains and buses run less often than in neighbouring countries.

Residence, citizenship and taxes: further reading

The routes for moving are in the table above. The road to a passport is long: conditions, timelines and the language exam are in our article on Slovenian citizenship. Resident tax rates and duties are on the taxes in Slovenia page. If you plan a business, start with company registration in Slovenia and a business account.

Who Slovenia suits

Slovenia is a choice for those who want a quiet and safe life in the EU between the mountains and the sea, work at a local company or start a business here. Taxes on salaries are high, and the path to a passport is long. Write in the chat and we will choose a basis for your move and calculate the full cost for your family.